Places we have Been

Saturday, November 05, 2016

Death Valley National Park, part 1 of 2

Today we have a plan, gonna do a tour. Because w are here really need to go to Death Valley, another place we always wanted to check out. Just because we can. We had our coffees, breaky and walkabouts done then packed a lunch and we were outta here by 8 am. Long day for touring ahead of us. But that is fine.
About an hours drive to Death Valley, a place I have always wanted to see. Once we paid our fee $25.00 good for 7 days. We could get a National park pass for $80.00 a year but we are only doing 2 parks this year. We even got a few hikes in today as well.

We are at sea level here but our first stop was at Dantes View, best seen in the morning, so a left turn and 13 miles up hill to 5,475 ft above sea level. We climbed and we climbed but all great roads.

now the last 1/4 mile a 15% grade, WOW!

1/4 mile steep and switchbacks15% grade in very steep

here we are

the view amazing, one mile down to Death Valley

Now back down we go to the visitor centre in Furnace creek.

Coming into Furnace Creek 190 ft below sea level.

We check out the visitor centre, watch the 20 minute video that was wonderful and very worth while.

we did not see any of these guys today

By now it was 11:30 and we found a shady spot, (90f now). Suzie changed into her shorts and we enjoyed our picnic lunch.
Then down the road to the Harmony Borax works that was started in 1882 only ran about 5 years. Interesting about Borax and we use it every day, you can google it.

the 20 mule teams that hauled this away

these wagons were hugeno wonder they needed 20 mules to pull them

We left there after noon then began another 3 hour journey back home witha few more stops along the way. But this is enough pictures for one day I will do some more of our tour in tomorrows posting.
We got back home at 3:30 relaxed in the shade for a bit and whipped up a tasty supper. Grill a couple Chicken, broccoli and cheese sausage, and Acorn squash to add to our salad and cantaloupe.

sure hit the spot today

198 miles today in 7 and 1/2 hoursbut sure was fun

Now that was a really interesting day, lots of miles there and back, but sure glad we did it.